From biking and hiking to walking and jogging, today’s parents are keeping fit and bonding with their babies in the process. With an array of products unheard of a generation ago – like baby carriers, joggers and trailers – even the tiniest among us are enjoying the great outdoors. But while these items can make life easier and more enjoyable for both parent and child, they can be the cause of pain and injury if not used properly. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) urges you to exercise caution and good judgment while exercising with your baby.

• The trailer must be equipped with a harness that can be placed over the child’s body. The harness should be complicated enough that the child cannot unhook it or wiggle out of it.
• A screen that covers the front of the trailer will add an extra line of protection against stray pebbles and other flying objects.
• Be sure to select a trailer that has large, bicycle-style tires, which will add stability and ease to your ride.
• Protect your child’s head with a sturdy, adjustable helmet that can be sized to fit properly. If the helmet rests too high, it will expose part of the child’s head, leaving it susceptible to injury.
• Bike only on smooth surfaces for optimal control.
• Only an experienced rider should attempt to bike with a child on board at all. And even then, the rider should practice with a ride-along trailer for two weeks before riding with a real child – in an effort to get a feel for the strength and coordination necessary to maneuver the bike.

If you wish to go for a jog and bring your child along for the ride, the baby jogger is your best option. A baby jogger is a rolling pushcart that a parent can jog behind, using handlebars to maneuver. Here are some rules of thumb to consider:

• Make sure the handlebars of the jogger are both large and adjustable, so that they fit comfortably into your hands for complete control. The handlebars should be kept as upright as possible.
• Handbrakes and a locking mechanism are a necessity.
• Look for a jogger with a good shoulder harness to keep the child secure.
• Large, bicycle-style tires offer more control and stability.
• A screen over the front of the jogger adds to its safety by deflecting stray flying objects.
• Jog only on smooth surfaces.

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